With the main MTB clan enjoying an away weekend in the Quantocks it was a small group of 10 of us who rode out from Reigate Hill. Such a hot morning too with the mercury nudging the high 20s in no time at all. And for the first time in living memory (or so it seemed) the trails were bone dry and not a sign of any puddles or mud to dirty our bikes. Summer must be coming…
A 20-mile loop across the familiar stomping ground of Headley, High Ashurst, Norbury Park and Alsation which included a tea, or should I say, lemonade and ice-cream stop at Bocketts Farm. Good to see a few less familiar faces joining us on the ride. Having organised such good weather, company and trails, I hope to see more of them over the winter months too!
So, with fast trails, no mechanicals apart from my mildly irritating squeaky rear brake (or was it just my dodgy knee?) and an eagerness to beat a retreat from the rising heat (28C as we crossed the finishing line) we made it back to Reigate in no time for yet another helping of lemonade and ice-cream. Thanks to Jack who back-marked with true valour (something to do with vodka side-effects…) and to everyone else for their good company.
Notwithstanding the good banter we departed with so many unanswered questions - were the others having a good time in the Quantocks, what was the weather like for them, would we ever see mud again on the trails? But the most pressing question of all - would Holly pass her driving test that afternoon? Hopefully she did!
See you soon with all the answers.
Conor